Quarantine Notes from Maine
One of the things I’ve been called in the last few years is a “thought leader.” I’m feeling compelled to do something (anything) during this quarantine and it seems appropriate to share some of the Ayurvedic perspective on immunity, community, and what the science might have for us in this time that may be helpful. This comes not from a desire to make money online and keep up my brand (which is a compelling ride I went on for a while let me tell you) but from a desire to offer something, to connect, to be a part of a shared journey where we are all in the same boat.
I’ve heard from some of you in gratitude for the Ayurveda and Yoga in your lives as these systems offer support, structure, and how-tos for maintaining health in body and mind during a time where many of us have lost our touchstones, our routines, our livelihoods, and perhaps many other things we haven’t seen to yet. I’m not called to wax positive and put up a good front. I’m called to wax philosophical, but I’ll refrain and keep it practical and concise as that is always my promise to my readers and to my students. Let us look to how we can maintain health and avoid disease in this interesting time.
I have been tempted to cope with an excess of three things:
1. Eating.
2. Sleeping.
3. Streaming and screening.
It would be easy to think now is the time to live the monk’s life and read those classical texts, meditate and do yoga for hours, and eat light spring foods. I’m left with my lack of desire for much of that as the weeks march on. That’s the hard part of quarantine! I need a little sensory stimulation over here! I’m reminded of Ayurveda’s general love of “balance”. Finding a balance of indulgence in coping vices, and steady efforts towards truly healthy routines, is what I’m aiming for. So here’s a few ideas from your thought leader here…
Notice how screen time effects you and keep it to x number of hours for A: work and B: TV. Keeping in mind the total number of hours. I’ve been balancing computer time with 30 minute walks in between sessions. Rain or shine. Nothing special just walk the neighborhood loop. Again. On a nice day, maybe drive to an outdoor haven and take an hour or two.
Stay active. Especially in the morning as Ayurveda describes this being the best time of day for detoxification of the body. Then hydrate. Do not start the screen time until after.
Unless you are exhausted and taking this time to recuperate (in which case sleep until you feel better), set an alarm and keep a consistent wake-up time. This will keep you from losing track, staying up too late and sleeping too late. Follow the cycles of the sun and I promise you will be healthier. Its natural.
Balance comfort foods with cleansing foods. If you are feeling anxious, it is common to have weird food cravings. Sweets, heavy meals, snacky things like chips and popcorn. Make an effort to also enjoy foods that cleanse the body such as broccoli, celery, leafy greens, fresh fruits, lemons. I’ve been into the white bean and asparagus soup. Be sure to sit down while eating and favor hot meals.
Ayurveda’s general tenet for avoiding disease lies in the ratio of strength of person (that’s your immunity) to strength of disease. There are a few things we can do to stay strong:
· Exercise daily, just to 50% capacity. Keep the blood and the mucous moving.
· Sip hot water and eat hot foods like soup (colds and flus do NOT like this, but they love cold drinks).
· Get plenty of rest, at the appropriate time of night. Between 10PM-6AM is the magic time. Give or take, no need to be perfect about it.
· Eat foods that are easy to digest. Meals not snacks, avoid overeating at one sitting. Overwhelming the digestion makes it harder for your body to fight off bugs.
Kind of common sensical I know, but in these strange times it is very easy for the mind to chase its own tail and things can seem confusing. I offer these reminders for myself as much as for you.
Hang in there,
Kate
